Nothing can be scarier for a parent than having a situation where your child stops breathing. This could be a summer drowning incident or a SIDS situation. Regardless of why, you’ll want to make sure you are prepared to do what you can to help your baby survive. This is why every parent should know toddler and infant CPR.
You don’t have a lot of time to react when you have an emergency like this. So you’ll want to practice the steps so that you are confident that you can do what is needed to save your child. Always remember that before you start any life-saving technique, you should call 911 first so that expert help is on the way sooner than later.
When to do CPR
CPR classes: For infants and toddlers
Many parents take CPR classes when they are pregnant or shortly after giving birth. Others intend to but just can’t find the time with the new demands of a baby in the household.
While taking a pre-birth CPR class is great, make sure to retake classes every two years. Not only will this make sure you are up-to-date on the latest techniques, but it will also give you a chance to practice on mannequins so that you build the muscle memory needed to perform CPR properly. Like any skill, the more you practice it, the easier it is to perform under pressure.
Many local hospitals run classes for parents on how to do infant CPR. You can also check specialized schools where CPR and first aid are taught. These are often certified through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Look for these to make sure you are learning the right techniques. Taylor Graber, M.D. told Mom.com that these courses are often “four hours taught in a formal setting.” In the class, you get background on what can lead to breathing and heart distress scenarios as well as practicing the technique on mannequins.
